Jan 13, 2014

Dear Family,
this week was great! we found two new people through dinner
appointments at members homes, and they seem to be very interested in
fact the one his name is James (late 50 i think) . He wasn't expecting
to stay for dinner he thought his mom (shes 70 or so) was having older
woman over fro dinner but when he saw us come through he thought why
not stay and have good conversation. we had planned to share the
restoration video with his mom but we got to share it with him as
well. he was so moved by the movie that we started to teach him. he
was hurt because of trials that he faced in life and people he lost
and was angry with god, he didnt see how he cared. so i shared my
experience that i had after losing carson and how i was angry with
god. i testified of how i knew he did care because as soon as i turned
to him for comfort he was there. i told him that heavenly father loves
him and as soon as i did he started crying, his heart was softened and
it was the best teaching experience i have had so far with either one
of my companions. the spirit was there and i was able to recognize
him! when i testified i could feel it in my chest and when i stopped
speaking it was gone, when he would speak i could feel heavenly
fathers love for him and then again when i testified or my companion
did i could feel the spirit so strongly. recently i have had a hard
time recognizing the spirit and so i prayed and studied and tried new
ways to be more receptive when i least expected it, it came. I am so
grateful for the spirit it was there then and when i needed it on
Saturday for comfort. it was hard to say that it has been a year with
out dear carson, and i tried to talk to my companion about how i felt
but it didnt work cause she didnt quite understand, but thats ok
because heavenly father did. He allowed us to stay very busy that day
putting up tile in a members home to going around with a member to try
to get into less actives homes. i learned if i stay busy i dont have
time to be sad or think, so thats what i did! i stayed busy. i am
still learning how to work with my companion and balance out what i
can speak up about and what i have to just live with its a fine line i
tell ya.. but we have done some amazing things in belleville so far
and im excited to finish the next two weeks with her. i really hope
grandpa is doing well, i cant believe grandma got him in the car by
herself! thats amazing how the family came together. so what spence
has a girlfriend? and shes going on a mission? and hes going to
hawaii? to train? thats sweet!! so exciting best of luck to ya spence!
back home sounds crazy with everyone going every which way! can't
believe its gonna be the middle of january already.. Love you all and
hope all is well!!
Love Sister Hadley